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A review by joe_hh98
Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman
4.0
Malorie Blackman’s alternative reality novel is an astonishing story that will undoubtedly go down as a literary classic, for as long as its themes bare relevance in society.
Set in alternative Great Britain; the book follows two races. The darker skinned race are the Crosses, who are deemed to be superior and hold the most privilege in their society. In contrast, there are the Noughts; the lighter skinned race, who are significantly poorer and harbour fewer rights. This concept alone strikes gold. It covers racism in an alternative form, by depicting a world whereby whites are denied fundamental human rights, in a way that black people know only too well.
This is a bold theme and it works beautifully. Unsurprisingly at the centre of the story, are two star crossed lovers: Calum, a surprisingly affluent Cross and Sephy, a Nought, who is only all to familiar with the privilege that she posesses. Yes, it’s essentially a teenage love story. However, it is the way in which this plot acts as an allegory to the real-life struggles of Black people in Britain, that really gives merit to this story.
As far as Young Adult novels go, this is a standout. It’s a suspenseful journey that holds a remarkably powerful message. It’s a story that resonates even more with the reader in the age of Black Lives Matter
Set in alternative Great Britain; the book follows two races. The darker skinned race are the Crosses, who are deemed to be superior and hold the most privilege in their society. In contrast, there are the Noughts; the lighter skinned race, who are significantly poorer and harbour fewer rights. This concept alone strikes gold. It covers racism in an alternative form, by depicting a world whereby whites are denied fundamental human rights, in a way that black people know only too well.
This is a bold theme and it works beautifully. Unsurprisingly at the centre of the story, are two star crossed lovers: Calum, a surprisingly affluent Cross and Sephy, a Nought, who is only all to familiar with the privilege that she posesses. Yes, it’s essentially a teenage love story. However, it is the way in which this plot acts as an allegory to the real-life struggles of Black people in Britain, that really gives merit to this story.
As far as Young Adult novels go, this is a standout. It’s a suspenseful journey that holds a remarkably powerful message. It’s a story that resonates even more with the reader in the age of Black Lives Matter